CHEMISTRY OF SHILAJIT, AN IMMUNOMODULATORY AYURVEDIC RASAYAN

The chemical polemics in the reported literature on shilajit are resolved. This study shows that humification of latex and resin-bearing plants is responsible for the major organic mass (80-85%) of shilajit. The low mol. wt. chemical markers (8-10%), viz. aucuparins, oxygenated dibenzo-α -pyrones and triterpenic acids of the tirucallane type (free and conjugated), occurring in the core structure of shilajit humus, are the major active constituents of Himalayan shilajit. The therapeutic effects of shilajit are the consequences of hormonal control and regulation of immunity. © 1990 IUPAC